Rockville RDJ3BT - User Manual

The Rockville RDJ3BT is a compact 2-channel DJ mixer designed for a variety of audio mixing applications, featuring Bluetooth, USB, and an LED display. This mixer allows users to blend audio from multiple sources, control sound characteristics, and monitor their mixes effectively.

Function Description

The RDJ3BT serves as a central hub for mixing audio from different inputs, making it suitable for DJs, home audio enthusiasts, and small event setups. It features two main channels, each capable of handling multiple input sources.

Channel 1 offers selectable inputs between Phono/Line 1 and Line 2. This flexibility allows users to connect turntables (Phono), CD players, samplers, or other line-level devices. Channel 2 provides even greater versatility with selectable inputs for Phono/Line 3, Line 4, and MP3. The MP3 input is particularly useful as it integrates a built-in USB player and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing playback of digital audio files directly from a USB drive or streamed wirelessly from a Bluetooth-enabled device.

Each channel is equipped with a comprehensive set of controls to shape the audio. These include a gain input control to adjust the input level, high tone control (12KHz ±12dB) and low tone control (60Hz ±12dB) for equalization, and individual level controls for precise volume adjustment. Channel 1 also includes a dedicated microphone level control, while Channel 2 features a headphone level control.

The mixer incorporates a master volume control to manage the overall output level, ensuring a balanced sound for the audience. A left/right stereo level display provides visual feedback on the audio output levels, helping users prevent clipping and maintain optimal sound quality.

For monitoring purposes, the RDJ3BT includes a headphone source selector switch, allowing DJs to cue up tracks before playing them live. A 1/4" microphone input jack and a 1/4" headphone input jack are conveniently located on the front panel for easy access.

A key feature for DJs is the crossfade slider, which enables smooth transitions between Channel 1 and Channel 2, facilitating seamless mixing. Additionally, a talk-over on/off selector switch is included, which automatically lowers the music volume when the microphone is in use, making announcements clearer.

The rear panel of the mixer offers a range of input and output options. For Channel 2, there are Line 4 input (left/right) and Line 3/Phono input (left/right), along with a Line 3/Phono input mode selector. Similarly, Channel 1 provides Line 2 input (left/right) and Line 1/Phono input (left/right), with a Line 1/Phono input mode selector. A ground connector is available for turntables, helping to reduce hum and noise.

The mixer's outputs include a master output (left/right) for connecting to an amplifier or speaker system, with its level controlled by the main knob on the top panel. A record output (left/right) allows users to record their mixes to external devices such as computers, CD recorders, MD players, or tape recorders. The unit is powered by an AC 9V power input and features a power switch.

Usage Features

The RDJ3BT is designed for intuitive operation, catering to both beginners and experienced DJs.

The MP3 controls (Play/Pause, Previous, Next, Mode) on the top panel allow for easy navigation and playback of tracks from the USB input or via Bluetooth. The LCD display screen provides visual information, such as the current mode (Bluetooth/USB) and track details.

Bluetooth connectivity is a significant usage feature, enabling wireless audio streaming. To use Bluetooth, users simply press the MODE button until "bt" flashes on the display, indicating pairing mode. The device then needs to be made discoverable and selected from the list of available Bluetooth connections (named "ROCKVILLE"). Once paired, the "bt" indicator remains solid, and playback can be controlled either from the connected device or using the mixer's MP3 controls.

For wired connections, the LINE INPUT jacks are used for stereo audio sources like mixing consoles, samplers, CD players, cassette decks, and other audio interfaces. Mono audio sources can be connected using an RCA "Y" cable. The LINE/PHONO INPUT jacks are specifically designed for turntables, but can also accommodate other line-level devices. When connecting a turntable, it's crucial to set the input mode selector switch to the PHONO position to ensure proper signal amplification.

The individual gain, high, and low tone controls on each channel allow for precise sound sculpting, enabling DJs to adjust the bass and treble frequencies to match their preferences or the acoustics of the venue. The channel faders and crossfader facilitate dynamic mixing and smooth transitions between tracks.

The cue monitor control allows DJs to listen to a track in their headphones before it's played through the main output, which is essential for beatmatching and preparing mixes. The talk-over function simplifies microphone usage during performances, ensuring that announcements are clear and audible over the music.

Maintenance Features

The RDJ3BT is built with durability in mind, but proper maintenance and troubleshooting can extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance.

In case of no sound, users should first verify that the unit is properly plugged into the wall outlet and that the power cable is securely connected. Checking the channel input selector switches, input GAINS, channel levels, and master volume is also crucial. For headphone issues, ensuring the headphones are properly plugged in and checking the headphone level control (CUE) and channel levels are the first steps.

To address mixer noise, turning down all microphone settings when not in use is recommended. If the microphone isn't working, users should check if it's properly plugged in and if the MIC gain is correctly set.

Distortion in line input can often be resolved by turning down the input GAIN controls and checking the EQ settings. For line input/phono distortion, it's important to ensure the LINE INPUT/PHONO selector switch is in the correct position (PHONO for turntables, LINE for other sources) and to adjust the input GAIN controls and EQ settings.

Noise and hum can be minimized by using good quality audio cables, such as Rockville Pro Audio cables, and checking their condition. Keeping cables away from other AC power cables and transformers can also help. Ensuring the unit is not too close to amplifiers, lighting power supplies, or ballasts is another important step. If possible, grounding turntables to the back of the mixer (GND) can significantly reduce hum.

Feedback, especially when using a microphone, can be avoided by maintaining a suitable distance from speakers or headphones. If feedback occurs from the phono input, it might indicate that turntables are too close to speakers or subwoofers. Placing the turntable on a surface free of vibration when speakers are turned up can help mitigate this issue.

The device is designed with no user-serviceable parts, emphasizing the importance of referring service to an authorized Rockville service center if issues arise that cannot be resolved through basic troubleshooting. It is also advised not to expose the unit to any kind of moisture and to ensure it is situated in a properly ventilated area on a level and stable surface.